Wednesday, May 11, 2011

NORTH East Manchester Hawks Under-18 boys booked their place in the final of the National Cup with a 23-12 victory over rivals Deva last weekend.
A solid defensive performance underpinned their semi-final victory. Goalkeeper Terry Ellis made some key early saves, including a penalty, and the Hawks were 10-6 ahead at half time.

James Higgins and Sam Bedlow made several surging drives, while playmaker Stefan Whaley racked up the points consistently and wide players Jamal Braithwaite, Tyrell Coley and Pavel Winnick played their part in rotation.

But coach Donna Hankinson reserved special praise for line player Matthew Barnes, playing at that position for the first time in the absence of injured Wesley Hunt.

“We lost to Deva by a point in the league play-off semis in February and have been working very hard in training since with current GB men’s captain Ciaran Williams, who has been inspirational,” said Hankinson.

“This result was reward for all that hard work and now it’s a job half done.”

The Hawks can now look forward to an encounter with Cannock at Crystal Palace on June 4, who beat Warrington Wolves 26-18 in the other semi-final at Birchwood Sports Centre, Warrington.